VIGAN CITY, Ilocos Sur (PIA) — The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has intensified disaster preparations in the Ilocos region against the impact of the La Niña weather phenomenon.
In an interview for the Ammuentayo radio program of the Philippine Information Agency Ilocos Sur, Maricel S. Calleja, division chief of the Disaster Response Management Division of DSWD Ilocos stated, “The agency is focused on disaster response and relief efforts learned from past disasters in the region, so we have stepped up our preparations for disasters.”
She said the DSWD Ilocos is ready to immediately augment local government units (LGU) with the agency’s relief operations and assured that the agency is prepared to respond to victims of typhoons, fires, and other disasters.
She shared that they have beefed up their relief supplies in 19 satellite warehouses in the region. The supplies include 44,432 family food packs containing six kilograms of rice, four cans of tuna, four cans of sardines, four cans of corned beef, and sachets of cereal and coffee.
They have also pre-positioned 21,887 packs of non-food items which include family kits, hygiene kits, and sleeping kits containing undergarments, clothes, bath towels, five sets of slippers, utensils, cooking pan, plastic mat, blankets, and pillow, among others.
She explained, “pre-positioning these resources in strategic locations enables rapid deployment in the event of emergencies, ensuring that affected communities receive immediate assistance.”
Moreover, they have conducted training sessions for personnel and partner organizations to handle disaster scenarios effectively, as well as proper coordination with LGUs and barangay officials.
“By disseminating timely and accurate information, residents can better prepare and evacuate if necessary, minimizing the impact of potential disasters,” Calleja said.
Further, she reminded the residents to adhere to the advice of their LGUs, evacuate and follow preemptive measures for their welfare, and practice reporting their situations to the LGUs. (JCR/MJTAB/ATV/VGS, PIA Ilocos Sur)
